DIRECTIONSPreheat oven to 375 F and spray muffin tins to grease. Soak oats in the milk for several minutes. Sift together the flour and dry ingredients. Mix together the egg, sugar, applesauce and vanilla.Blend the wet ingredients and the oats. Fold in the dry ingredients, then the raisins.Spoon batter into muffin tins. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

A healthy diet often is mistaken for one that is devoid of desirable foods. But just because a diet is healthy doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious as well. A few easy modifications to your favorite recipes can make a diet healthier without sacrificing taste.Many nutritionists say that the average person should consume between 1,600 to 2,000 calories and 45 to 80 grams of fat per day. There are many different diet plans available that curb carbs, beef up protein and greatly reduce fat intake. However, it is agreed upon universally that moderate caloric reduction and an increase in activity are the best bets for healthy, long-term weight maintenance.Ideas to curb caloric intake include using cooking sprays instead of heavy oils to grease pans; replacing butter and salt with herbs and spices to add flavor; or trading regular white breads and pastas for whole wheat varieties. Scaling back portion sizes of meats and increasing portion sizes of vegetables to feel full is another healthy approach.For families who like the tote-along ease of muffins in the morning but want a healthy option, try this oatmeal raisin muffin recipe.